Canada Urges Kenyan Government to Respect the Constitution

Canada has expressed its concern over the Kenyan government’s recent crackdown on opposition leaders and recent shutdown of television stations.

Global Affairs Canada, in a statement, said it is deeply concerned by some of the recent government as it cracks down on opposition leaders who were involved in the controversial January 30th swearing-in of NASA leader Raila Odinga as the people’s president. Canada urged the Kenyan government to uphold the constitution, respect court orders, and allow freedom of expression.

“As a friend to Kenya, Canada is deeply concerned by some of the Government of Kenya’s recent actions, including the unlawful detention of opposition members without due process or access to counsel, and the shutdown of, and restrictions on, certain media outlets,” read the statement posted on Global Affairs Canada on Wednesday.

“We urge the Government of Kenya to uphold its Constitution, to allow freedom of expression and to respect court orders, including those that order the release of those granted bail,” the statement continued.

The statement comes after Miguna Miguna was deported by Kenya to Canada after being held in custody for six days for his involvement in the swearing-in of Raila. The Canadian High Commission in Nairobi had earlier criticized Kenya over how it handled Miguna.